Judgment can’t stand – Okonkwo heads to Appeals Court

This entry was posted by Naigeriabuzz on January 12, 2018 at 9:17 pm

Godwin Tsa, Abuja

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Anambra Central Senatorial district, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo, said the judgment of the Federal High Court vacating it’s earlier consent judgment that was entered in his favour cannot stand as he has vowed to challenge it at the Court of Appeal.

While calling on his supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, the aggrieved politician said any election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will be a nullity by the highest court of law.

In a statement in Abuja personally signed by him, Okonkwo said he disagreed with the judgment delivered by Justice John Tsoho.

The statements reads:

“Today, the 12th of January, 2018, the Federal High Court in Abuja set aside a consent judgment in my favour in which parties to the suit, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), conceded that I was the right candidate in that election and as such is entitled to the Certificate of Return.

“The court today, based its decision on the Court of Appeal decision, in a post-election matter, wherein Senator Uche Ekwunife was disqualified on grounds that she was not the duly nominated candidate of PDP, and ordered for fresh elections.

“It is significant to note that I went to court in this present case even before the March 2015 National Assembly election.

“Therefore, if my rights have been determined timeously, the case that went to the Court of Appeal would not have arisen in the first place. Hence, the determination of my right as a candidate takes pre-eminence over the post-election petition that was nullified.

“Unfortunately, the Federal High Court ruled otherwise today.

“I disagree with the said ruling today wholly and entirely. Consequently, I have instructed my lawyers to proceed on appeal immediately.

“I assure all my supporters, and admirers, that I will not rest on my oars until justice is done. I urge you all to remain calm and law-abiding.

“It is in the light of the above that I state categorically that any election held in Anambra Central Senatorial District tomorrow, being January 13, 2018, would amount to a nullity as we shall be challenging whatever predetermined outcome is announced.